Bi-stable spring with flexible display

ABSTRACT

A wearable accessory device is disclosed. The wearable accessory device includes a flexible display coupled to a bi-stable spring. Coupling the display to the bi-stable spring allows the accessory device to be easily worn in a number of convenient locations.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Described Embodiments

The described embodiments relate generally to portable electronicdevices. In particular methods for expanding the functionality ofelectronic devices are disclosed.

2. Related Art

Bi-stable springs have two equilibrium positions. This allows a devicewith a bi-stable spring to assume two distinct configurations. The mostrecent widespread use of such a device was the slap bracelet, alsocalled the slap wrap. The slap bracelet consists of layered flexiblesteel bands sealed within a fabric cover. Typical slap bracelets areroughly one inch in width by nine inches in length. In a firstequilibrium position they can be flat. The second equilibrium istypically reached by slapping the flat embodiment across the wrist, atwhich point the bracelet curls around the wrist and stays relativelysecure in a roughly circular position. The slap bracelet has been usedprimarily as a decorative bracelet; however, other uses have includedfor example keeping a pant leg away from a bike chain, or even using aslap bracelet covered with reflective tape for providing increasedvisibility for pedestrians and bikers at night. Perhaps most usefully itis quite easy to wrap around a wrist or leg, and stays conveniently inplace.

Conversely conventional accessories for electronic devices do not tendto be easily wearable. They include various clips or may even restprecariously on an ear. In some cases accessory devices may even have tosit in a pant or coat pocket. Therefore an apparatus that capitalizes onthe easily wearable nature of a bi-stable spring is desired

SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIBED EMBODIMENTS

This paper describes various embodiments that relate to an apparatus,method, and apparatus with a display and associated electronics.

A wearable video device arranged to be worn by an end-user is disclosed.The wearable video device includes the following: (1) a flexiblesubstrate having a flat state and a curled state; and (2) a flexibledisplay disposed upon a first surface of the flexible substrate, wherein the curled state the flexible substrate conforms to an appendage ofthe end-user. The flexible substrate also includes an electronic modulein communication with the flexible display, the electronic moduleproviding information to the display, at least a part of which ispresented in real time for presentation by the display.

A method for passing information between an accessory device disposed onone surface of a bi-stable spring substrate and a portable electronicdevice is disclosed. The accessory device includes a flexible displayarranged to present a first set of visual information. The portableelectronic device has a portable electronic device display arranged topresent a second set of visual information. The method includes thefollowing steps: (1) determining whether the accessory device is beingworn by an end-user where the determining is accomplished by at leastone sensor on the accessory device; (2) when it determined the accessorydevice is being worn by the end user, establishing a communicationchannel between the accessory device and the portable electronic devicewhere the communication channel is arranged to provide a bi-directionalcommunication link between the flexible display and the portableelectronic device; (3) passing information between the portableelectronic device and the accessory device by way of the bi-directionalcommunication link, where at least a portion of the passed informationis presented by the flexible display as the first set of visualinformation; and (4) displaying the first set of visual information bythe flexible display.

A slap bracelet configured to display information wirelessly transmittedfrom a portable electronic device is disclosed. The slap braceletincludes at least the following components: (1) a communication link,allowing two-way communication between the slap bracelet and theportable electronic device; (2) a flexible display disposed over aportion of a first surface of the slap bracelet; (3) a touch sensitiveuser interface disposed over the top of the flexible display; and (4) anelectronic module disposed on one end of the first surface of the slapbracelet. Information generated on either device can be displayed oneither the host device display or the flexible display.

A non-transitory computer readable medium for storing computerinstructions executed by a processor in a portable electronic device forcontrolling a flexible accessory device mounted on a bi-stable springsubstrate in wireless communication with the portable electronic deviceis disclosed. The non-transitory computer readable medium includes thefollowing: computer code for establishing a communication channelbetween the flexible accessory device and the portable electronicdevice; computer code for receiving a user input on a first userinterface built into the portable electronic device; computer code forinterpreting the user input with the portable electronic deviceprocessor; computer code for sending display data across thecommunication channel; and computer code for displaying the display dataon a flexible accessory device display.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, theprinciples of the described embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The described embodiments and the advantages thereof may best beunderstood by reference to the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings in no waylimit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the describedembodiments by one skilled in the art without departing from the spiritand scope of the described embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows a conventional slap bracelet with a flexible displayfastened to one surface.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show cross sectional views of an accessory device inaccordance with the described embodiments.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show perspective views of an accessory device inaccordance with the described embodiments.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show cross sectional views of an accessory device withan edge to edge flexible display in accordance with the describedembodiments.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show perspective views of an accessory device with anedge to edge flexible display in accordance with the describedembodiments.

FIG. 5C shows a cross sectional view of an accessory device with an enddetection sensor in accordance with the described embodiments.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show an accessory device with ambient light energycollectors disposed on an outer surface of the accessory device, inaccordance with the described embodiments.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show an alternative embodiment in which the electronicmodule is rigid.

FIG. 8 shows a flow chart describing input on an accessory device whichaffects the operation of a host device.

FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of an arrangement of functional modulesutilized by an electronic device.

FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of an electronic device suitable for usewith the described embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Representative applications of methods and apparatus according to thepresent application are described in this section. These examples arebeing provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of thedescribed embodiments. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in theart that the described embodiments may be practiced without some or allof these specific details. In other instances, well known process stepshave not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring the described embodiments. Other applications are possible,such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting.

In the following detailed description, references are made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in whichare shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordancewith the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are describedin sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice thedescribed embodiments, it is understood that these examples are notlimiting; such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the describedembodiments.

Accessories for portable computing devices have become quite common.Today typical portable electronic device accessories are passive innature, the majority of which simply function to protect the screen, orperhaps support the device in some specific orientation. Although somedevices such as Bluetooth headsets and keyboards do have limitedinteractive capability the majority of accessories are limited to morebasic tasks. These accessories can be improved by including at leastsome of the following features: (1) a power source; (2) a communicationsprotocol; (3) an input method; and (4) an independent storage medium.

An accessory that takes a more active interaction role with the portablecomputing device would also typically need a power source to drive it.In some embodiments, a battery can be incorporated within the body ofthe accessory. The battery can take many forms. For example, the batterycan be distributed in nature by which it is meant that portions of thebattery can be placed in disparate locations in the accessory. Inanother example, the battery can be replaceable or otherwise accessibleby the user. The operating time of a built in battery can be augmentedby the addition of an auxiliary power supply such as a solar panel arrayto the accessory. A solar panel array spread across a surface of theaccessory device can lengthen the amount of time the accessory devicecould be operated between recharging. A battery can also allow for theaccessory device to continue nominal operations after the portableelectronic device has been turned off or a communications channelbetween the two devices has been secured, especially with the inclusionof a small amount of storage space. For example, a simple screen savercould be displayed with an accessory device that includes a display. Inanother embodiment a short document or email could be reviewed. Othersources of power could include a kinetic power source similar to thosefound on some wristwatches. An accessory device designed to be worn on aleg or arm could greatly benefit from this sort of power generation, andcould lengthen the amount of time between charging.

Active communication between an accessory and a portable electronicdevice can be accomplished wirelessly. For example, a wireless dataconnection such as the 5 GHz 802.11n protocol can provide sufficientdata transmission bandwidth to transmit a high quality video stream. Thewireless protocol allows for robust communication between the twodevices. The accessory device could also connect to the portableelectronic device via Bluetooth. While it might not carry the sameamount of data it may be preferable for situations in which only smallamounts of data are being sent back and forth.

In the simplest embodiment of the described embodiments a flexibledisplay can be added to a conventionally designed slap bracelet, withthe addition of a battery and a minimal number of electronic components.In FIG. 1 a cross section of a conventional slap bracelet 100 with anoverlaid display is shown. A thin steel bi-stable spring 102 is coveredby fabric covering 104. The spring steel making up the bi-stable springshould be at least 0.006 inches thick. Fabric covering 104 is heatsealed around bi-stable spring 102 at sealing positions 106. A thin,flexible display 108 can then be overlaid with an adhesive on onesurface of the slap bracelet. A printed circuit board with theaforementioned electronics (not shown) could be mounted at one end ofslap bracelet 100, so that the other end of the slap bracelet couldcompletely cover the electronics module while a user wears it. Althoughmounting the described embodiments to a slap bracelet with a bi-stablespring does allow a convenient attachment method, it should be notedthat the described embodiments could be mounted on any flexiblesubstrate. For example a fabric substrate could be used that simplyincluded snaps or velcro in order to secure itself around a humanappendage.

One problem with the design of the conventionally designed slap braceletwas that the fabric covering would occasionally separate at the heatsealed portions. Since the described embodiment will house valuableelectronics, a manufacturer can create a more robust design. FIG. 2Ashows a cross sectional view of a robust accessory device 200 in whichflexible display 108 is adhered directly to one side of bi-stable spring102. Fabric covering 104 can then wrap all the way around the edge ofbi-stable spring 102, and provide a robust frame for flexible display108. It should be noted that although fabric similar to the conventionalslap bracelet can be used, a thicker more cushioned fabric can also beutilized to increase user comfort. FIG. 2B shows another cross sectionalview of accessory device 200. In this view flexible electronic module202 is depicted at one end of accessory device 200, adhered directly tothe surface of bi-stable spring 102 at one end of accessory device 200.Since the cross section of a slap bracelet switches from convex toconcave upon changing states it is important to note that the flexibleelectronic module 202 must contain components that are flexible innature and resistant to fatigue. Flexible electronic module 202 caninclude a flexible printed circuit board with at least one wirelesscommunications antenna, integrated circuits for driving the display,along with data and power connectors.

With the aforementioned devices housed within flexible electronic module202 a communication channel can be established and maintained with aportable electronic device. The portable electronic device and bi-stablespring mounted accessory device can form a cooperative electronic systemin which the electronic devices can communicate with each other. Thissystem can be further enhanced by the addition of additional sensors.For example in an accessory configuration which includes a touch screenoverlaid on top of flexible display 108, the end user could respond toalerts sent from the portable electronic device and even direct theoperations of the portable electronic device to an extent limited by theaccessory device user interface. With a touch screen user input a usercan accomplish a number of different tasks including adjusting the orderof a current playlist, and reviewing a list of recent phone calls. Aresponse to a current text message can even be managed given a simplevirtual keyboard configuration across the face of the flexible display108.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show perspective views of both bi-stable spring statesof accessory device 300 in accordance with the described embodiments. InFIG. 3A the bi-stable spring is arranged in a flat state. Flexibledisplay 302 is overlaid on the surface of the accessory device with athin border area 304 securing and protecting the edges of flexibledisplay 302. Flexible electronic module 306 is also shown located on oneend of accessory device 300. In FIG. 3B accessory device 300 is in acurled state and can be seen wrapped around the arm of a user. Accessorydevice 300 is wrapped around an arm in a way such that the flexibleelectronic module 306 is completely obscured by the wrap around flexibledisplay 302, leaving only a thin border to interrupt an otherwisecontinuous screen around the wrist. When accessory device 300 switchesfrom the flat state shown in FIG. 3A to assume the curled state shown inFIG. 3B the bi-stable spring switches from a concave shape to a convexshape, bending both flexible display 302 and flexible electronic module306. Flexible electronic module 306 can be configured with a straingauge to determine when changes in state occur. The determining done bythe strain gauge allows accessory device 300 to adjust a user interfacedisplayed on flexible display 302 from one layout to another based uponthe state of the accessory device. It should also be noted that eventhough accessory device 300 is shown as a relatively narrow band arounda user's wrist, the accessory device could be configured to be muchwider. As the accessory device widens its potential for functionalityalso increases. At a width of a few inches the display can function totemporarily view and manipulate the screen of the portable electronicdevice it is in communication with. This might be desirable when theportable electronic device is stored in an inconvenient location such asa cargo pocket, or the bottom of a backpack. A larger display is alsomore desirable for map viewing. The arm mounted location makes mapviewing a desirable function for such a device, as a traveler orexplorer can easily reference the information with a flick of the wristwhile exploring. A wider overall device width also allows for a largerflexible electronic module 306. This allows more space for a largerbattery, and additional sensors which will be discussed later.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show cross sectional views of an edge to edge flexibledisplay 402 integrated into accessory device 400. In FIG. 4A flexibledisplay 402 is shown wrapping around the edges of bi-stable spring 404.Fabric covering 406 covers the bottom of bi-stable spring 404 and alsocovers the edges of flexible display 402. Modern flexible displaytechnology can be built particularly robustly and flexible display 402can withstand repeated stresses put upon it by bi-stable spring 404 andday to day wear. The result is a strong edge to edge screen which has anumber of advantages over the previously described embodiment. Anincrease in screen size is obtained in this configuration. Edge lightingis now also possible. For example a user could configure blue borderededge lighting to surround the screen. Blinking lights displayed on theedges of the display can act as an event alert to a user that might bemore effective since when the display is wrist or arm mounted it is theedge that generally is closest to the user, not the front. In yetanother use an accessory device owner riding a bike could mount it on anarm or leg with some kind of bright pattern running along the screen forincreased visibility. FIG. 4B shows a cross sectional view of accessorydevice 400 showing how flexible display 402 and flexible electronicmodule 408 are attached to bi-stable spring 404 with an adhesive layer410. Also shown is fabric covering 406 which covers flexible electronicmodule 408 and secures the portion of flexible display 402 which extendsover one end of bi-stable spring 404.

FIGS. 5A, and 5B show perspective views of both bi-stable spring statesof accessory device 400 in accordance with the described embodiments.FIG. 5A shows a view of accessory device 400 and how it appears with theedge to edge display described under FIG. 4. In this flat state theaccessory device can also be operated. The flat state has the advantageof showing more of flexible display 402 at once, and therefore might bea preferable state for activities such as parameter initialization orfor establishing connections between it and another portable electronicdevice. The accessory device can contain a sensor which alerts thedevice as to which state it is in and then changes the user interface tooptimize it for that state, as described under FIG. 3B. Individualelements of flexible electronic module 408 are shown on the surface offlexible electronic module 408 for explanatory purposes. Kinetic energygathering device 502 is shown on the right side of flexible electronicmodule 408. One of the advantages of having the accessory device on anextremity is that it is an ideal location for gathering kinetic energy.The simple motion of a user's arm or leg allows the accessory device toharness some of that energy for charging battery 504. Antenna 506 is forestablishing and maintaining the connection between accessory device 400and the portable electronic device. The antenna can be configured topass data over WiFi, Bluetooth or any other suitable wireless protocol.Connector 508 allows accessory device 400 to be connected by wire toanother electronic device for activities such as charging, performingfirmware updates, or even for reconfiguring the device. Connector 508can consist of a plug as shown, or could have a small tab that extendedfrom the flexible electronic module for easily plugging into a computerport.

FIG. 5B shows accessory device 400 in its curled state, attached to auser's wrist. As can be seen the display wraps completely around thewrist in this state creating an uninterrupted screen. One sensor thatcould be added to the components illustrated is an inertial orientationsensor, such as a gyroscope, or accelerometer (not shown). By includingan inertial orientation sensor displayed information could be arrangedso that it always faces up, or directly towards the user. Thisconveniently allows a user to continue viewing information on theaccessory device while maneuvering the extremity it is located on. In apower saving mode the inertial orientation sensor can be configured toonly activate the display when the accessory device is rotated into aspecific viewing orientation, thereby saving the user the hassle ofhaving to push a button to activate the screen while still allowing forthe power savings of a standby mode. In another aspect of the powersaving mode the inertial orientation sensor could generate power savingsby deactivating portions of the screen oriented away from the user.Because the flexible display technology uses an active matrix lightemitting diode (AMOLED) display the deactivation of unused portions ofthe display helps significantly. This is due to the fact that AMOLEDdisplays can activate individual pixels, and save energy when the numberof illuminated pixels is reduced.

One challenge to overcome when making a continuous display that wrapsall the way around an arm or leg is that these appendages invariablycome in different sizes. FIG. 5C illustrates one solution to thischallenge. By including an end-detection sensor on accessory device 400the location of the end of the accessory device can be known, and theaccessory device can properly configure the screen to deactivate coveredportion 510 of the screen. In an embodiment with a touch screen sensorthe touch screen itself can act as the end detection sensor. Capacitiveelements 512 can be added to the end of accessory device 400 asillustrated, and when the touch screen is activate the touch screen canreport the location of the capacitive elements and deactivate thecovered portion of the screen. In this way the accessory device can bewrapped tightly around the wrist of any size user with no displaydiscontinuity problems. A user can even switch between arm and legmounting with out having to go through a time consuming recalibrationprocess each time. As referenced in FIG. 5B the resulting deactivatedportions have the additional advantage of saving accessory device power.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a configuration in which ambient light energycollectors replace a portion of the screen. While in the illustratedconfigurations this precludes a continuous wrap around screen it has theadvantage of being able to provide additional power to the accessorydevice. In fact a device worn on the body is particularly well suitedfor gathering ambient light energy since it tends to be exposed andfrequently oriented towards the sun or other strong light sources. FIG.6A shows one embodiment where flexible display 602 only wraps aroundpart of the arm. Starting at a rear portion of accessory device 600 aportion of flexible display 602 is replaced by ambient light energycollectors 604. This configuration uses end detection sensors 606 todeactivate covered portions of flexible display 602 since ambient lightenergy collectors 604 may cover a portion of flexible display 602. FIG.6B shows an alternate embodiment 610 in which ambient light energycollectors 604 are arranged next to flexible electronic module 608. Thisconfiguration prevents ambient light energy collectors 604 from coveringany of flexible display 602 in a curled state; however, in a flat statehaving flexible display 602 separated from flexible electronic module608 by ambient light energy collectors 604 might not be desirable sincein some embodiments flexible electronic module 608 can have physicalbuttons a user might want to access in conjunction with flexible display602. In yet another ambient light energy collector embodiment theambient light energy collectors can be arranged on one or both edges offlexible display 602. In this way a continuous display can still beachieved while maintaining the benefit of receiving ambient lightenergy.

FIG. 7A shows an alternative configuration 700 in which the electronicmodule is rigid. In FIG. 7A bi-stable spring 702 is shown attached torigid electronic module 704. Rigid electronic module 704 can include aslight curve to it as illustrated so that it conforms to a wrist orankle more easily when in a curled state. Flexible display screen 706 isstill adhered to bi-stable spring 702 by adhesive layer 708. Thisconfiguration has a number of advantages over the previously describedembodiments. First, by removing electronic module 704 from the bi-stablespring the electronic module can be rigid. A rigid module will generallynot be subjected to the same fatigue stresses as a flexible electronicmodule would be and the casing can be built a little more solidly as itdoesn't have to flex or bend with the bi-stable spring. Second, rigidelectronic module 704 can be taller without changing the overall formfactor of the device, as it is not stacked on top of the device, anddoes not curl upwards with the curve of the bi-stable spring. Finally,the circuit board design can be easier as flexible regions need not bedesigned around when placing components. FIG. 7B shows a perspectiveview of alternative configuration 700. The figure shows how one end ofbi-stable spring 702 is anchored to rigid electronic module 704 atintersection 710. In this configuration bi-stable spring 702 can stillbend and flex, even though the attached end of bi-stable spring 702might be somewhat less flexible near the intersection as a result.

FIG. 8 shows flow chart 800 describing input on a flexible wearablecommunication device which affects the operation of a portableelectronic device. In step 802 a flexible, wearable communication deviceis provided. In step 804 at least one sensor is used to determine if thedevice is being worn. The strain gauge identified earlier could be usedto determine whether the flexible wearable device is in an open orclosed state. An pressure sensor can be added to determine if there wereany pressure on the inside surface of the flexible wearablecommunication device, thereby obtaining a good indication of whether ornot the device is being worn. Step 806 is reached if the device is beingworn in which case a communications link is established between theflexible wearable communication device and the portable electronicdevice. The communication link can be established through a wirelessprotocol, and can be established in a single direction or in two waysfor fully cooperative interaction between the devices. In step 808 auser interface is presented by the flexible wearable communicationdevice. The user interface could be a virtual keyboard or a specializedcontrol set designed differently for each application. In step 810 auser input is received at the user interface. In step 812 a controlsignal is passed from the flexible wearable communication device to theportable electronic device. The control signal could operate to storeitems to the host device, to manipulate the host device display, or toaccomplish any other desired change in state of the portable electronicdevice.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an arrangement 900 of functional modulesutilized by an electronic device. Arrangement 900 includes an electronicdevice 902 that is able to output media for a user of the portable mediadevice but also store and retrieve data with respect to data storage904. Arrangement 900 also includes a graphical user interface (GUI)manager 906. The GUI manager 906 operates to control information beingprovided to and displayed on a display device. Arrangement 900 alsoincludes a communication module 908 that facilitates communicationbetween the portable media device and an accessory device. Stillfurther, arrangement 900 includes an accessory manager 910 that operatesto authenticate and acquire data from an accessory device that can becoupled to the portable electronic device.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an electronic device 1000 suitable for usewith the described embodiments. Electronic device 1000 illustratescircuitry of a representative computing device. Electronic device 1000includes a processor 1002 that pertains to a microprocessor orcontroller for controlling the overall operation of the electronicdevice 1000. Electronic device 1000 stores media data pertaining tomedia items in a file system 1004 and a cache 1006. The file system 1004is, typically, a storage disk or a plurality of disks. The file system1004 typically provides high capacity storage capability for theelectronic device 1000. However, since the access time to the filesystem 1004 is relatively slow, the electronic device 1000 can alsoinclude a cache 1006. The cache 1006 is, for example, Random-AccessMemory (RAM) provided by semiconductor memory. The relative access timeto the cache 1006 is substantially shorter than for the file system1004. However, the cache 1006 does not have the large storage capacityof the file system 1004. Further, the file system 1004, when active,consumes more power than does the cache 1006. The power consumption isoften a concern when the electronic device 1000 is a portable mediadevice that is powered by a battery 1008. The electronic device 1000 canalso include RAM 1010 and Read-Only Memory (ROM) 1012. The ROM 1012 canstore programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatilemanner. The RAM 1010 provides volatile data storage, such as for thecache 1006.

The electronic device 1000 also includes a user input device 1014 thatallows a user of the electronic device 1000 to interact with theelectronic device 1000. For example, the user input device 1014 can takea variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, touch screen, audioinput interface, visual/image capture input interface, input in the formof sensor data, etc. Still further, the electronic device 1000 includesa display 1016 (screen display) that can be controlled by the processor1002 to display information to the user. A data bus 1018 can facilitatedata transfer between at least the file system 1004, the cache 1006, theprocessor 1002, and the CODEC 1020.

The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of thedescribed embodiments can be used separately or in any combination.Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented bysoftware, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. Thedescribed embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code ona computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations oras computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controllinga manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storagedevice that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computersystem. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-onlymemory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and opticaldata storage devices. The computer readable medium can also bedistributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computerreadable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the describedembodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe specific details are not required in order to practice the describedembodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodimentsare presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to theprecise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill inthe art that many modifications and variations are possible in view ofthe above teachings.

1. A wearable video device arranged to be worn by an end-user,comprising: a flexible substrate having a flat state and a curled state;a flexible display disposed upon a first surface of the flexiblesubstrate, wherein in the curled state the flexible substrate conformsto an appendage of the end-user, the flexible substrate furthercomprising: an electronic module in communication with the flexibledisplay, the electronic module providing information to the display, atleast a part of which is presented in real time for presentation by theflexible display; and a mechanism for detecting an end portion of theflexible display, the detection for adjusting the arrangement ofinformation shown on the flexible display to match the size of theappendage the wearable video device is mounted on.
 2. The wearable videodevice as recited in claim 1, wherein the end detection mechanism allowsthe displayed information to smoothly continue across a portion of thewearable video device where the flexible display overlaps itself.
 3. Thewearable video device as recited in claim 2, wherein the flexiblesubstrate is a bi-stable spring substrate.
 4. The wearable video deviceas recited in claim 3, wherein the electronic module comprises: awireless communications antenna; a battery; an integrated circuit fordriving the flexible display; and a data and power connector.
 5. Thewearable video device of claim 4, wherein the flexible display furthercomprises: a user interface in the form of a touch sensitive sensoroverlaid on the flexible display.
 6. The wearable video device of claim5, wherein the flexible display wraps around at least one edge of thebi-stable spring substrate.
 7. The wearable video device of claim 6,wherein the mechanism for detecting an end portion comprises: capacitiveelements disposed in a recognizable pattern on one end of a secondsurface of the bi-stable spring substrate, the capacitive elementsarranged to interact with the touch sensitive sensor on the flexibledisplay.
 8. The wearable video device of claim 7, wherein the positionof the capacitive elements on the touch screen allows the wearable videodevice to determine where the end of the wearable video device comes incontact with the touch screen, so that the wearable video device candeactivate the covered portion of the flexible display and can properlyconfigure the continuous display around the wearable video device. 9.The wearable video device of claim 5, wherein the electronic module usesa sensor for detecting a change between the flat state and the curledstate of the bi-stable spring substrate, and then adjusts the userinterface to optimize it for the new bi-stable spring state.
 10. Thewearable video device of claim 5, wherein the electronic module furthercomprises: an inertial orientation sensor, wherein when the wearablevideo device is in a curled state the inertial orientation sensor allowsthe wearable video device to reorient the user interface towards theuser.
 11. The wearable video device of claim 10, wherein when thewearable video device is in the curled state and in a power saving modethe inertial orientation sensor determines when the wearable videodevice has been oriented into a viewing position and then directs thewearable video device to reactivate the flexible display.
 12. Thewearable video device of claim 10, wherein when the wearable videodevice is in a low power state the inertial orientation sensordetermines when the wearable video device has been oriented out of aviewing position and then directs the wearable video device to reducepower consumption.
 13. A method for passing information between anaccessory device disposed on one surface of a bi-stable spring substrateand a portable electronic device, the accessory device having a flexibledisplay arranged to present a first set of visual information, theportable electronic device having a portable electronic device displayarranged to present a second set of visual information, the methodcomprising: determining whether the accessory device is being worn by anend-user, the determining accomplished by at least one sensor on theaccessory device; when it is determined the accessory device is beingworn by the end user, establishing a communication channel between theaccessory device and the portable electronic device, the communicationchannel arranged to provide a bi-directional communication link betweenthe flexible display and the portable electronic device; passinginformation between the portable electronic device and the accessorydevice by way of the bi-directional communication link, wherein at leasta portion of the passed information is presented by the flexible displayas the first set of visual information; and displaying the first set ofvisual information by the flexible display.
 14. The method of claim 13,wherein the first set of visual information comprises a user interfacearranged to receive a user input event, the method further comprising:receiving an input signal in accordance with the user input event at theportable electronic device; and transmitting at least a portion of theuser input to the portable electronic device over the establishedcommunication channel.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the methodfurther comprises: recharging a battery housed within the accessorydevice by way of a plurality of ambient light energy collectors disposedacross a portion of one surface of the accessory device.
 16. A slapbracelet configured to display information wirelessly transmitted from aportable electronic device, the slap bracelet comprising: acommunication link, allowing two-way communication between the slapbracelet and the portable electronic device; a flexible display disposedover a portion of a first surface of the slap bracelet; a touchsensitive user interface disposed over the top of the flexible display;and an electronic module disposed on one end of the first surface of theslap bracelet; wherein information generated on either device can bedisplayed on either the host device display or the flexible display. 17.The slap bracelet as recited in claim 16, wherein the electronic modulecomprises: a wireless communications antenna; a battery; a data storagecomponent; an integrated circuit for driving the flexible display, and akinetic energy gathering component, wherein the battery can be tricklecharged by the kinetic energy gathering component.
 18. The slap braceletas recited in claim 16, wherein power supplied to the slap bracelet isat least partially provided by ambient light energy collectors disposedon at least one edge of the accessory device.
 19. A non-transitorycomputer readable medium for storing computer instructions executed by aprocessor in a portable electronic device for controlling a flexibleaccessory device mounted on a bi-stable spring substrate in wirelesscommunication with the portable electronic device, the non-transitorycomputer readable medium comprising: computer code for establishing acommunication channel between the flexible accessory device and theportable electronic device; computer code for receiving a user input ona first user interface built into the portable electronic device;computer code for interpreting the user input with the portableelectronic device processor; computer code for sending display dataacross the communication channel; and computer code for displaying thedisplay data on a flexible accessory device display.
 20. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium of claim 19, wherein theaccessory device has a second user interface, the non-transitorycomputer readable medium further comprising: computer code for receivinga user input at the second user interface; computer code fortransmitting the user input to the processor portion of the portableelectronic device; computer code for translating the user input from thesecond user interface into a control signal; and computer code foradjusting display data located on a portable electronic device display.21. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 20, wherein thesecond user interface is comprised of the flexible accessory devicedisplay and a touch screen sensor.